Throughout the school year, several WCHS juniors have already made academic and athletic commitments to various colleges for their sports. For example, Girls Varsity Soccer player Sofia Grundy committed to play soccer at the U.S. Naval Academy, Varsity Swim and Dive swimmer Charlie Begin committed to swim at The Pennsylvania State University and Varsity Golf player Zoe Cusack committed to golf at The University of Virginia.
“Soccer has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Grundy said. “It is where I have made my closest friends and created my best memories. I wanted to continue playing at a high level, and committing to a school where I could do that was the best way to keep pursuing my passion.”
Deciding on a college as a student-athlete can be a challenging undertaking. Between maintaining high academic performance and excelling in their sport, athletes often face immense pressure to succeed.
“The key factors in deciding where I should go were balancing how much a degree from the school would help me, how successful I could be athletically at the school and whether I would be happy as a student there,” Begin said.
Anyone interested in playing a sport in college usually begins their journey as early as possible due to the large number of athletes competing to be the best, leading to fights for limited spots at top universities. To bring recognition to their athletic abilities, students can email schools explaining their achievements, upcoming sporting events and express interest in playing for the university. Schools can not respond directly until June 15 after the student’s sophomore year, when student-athletes are finally allowed to be in contact with college coaches. Students are permitted to take official-visits Aug. 1st after their sophomore year.
“My summer was busy with communication between different coaches,” Cusack said. “I went on official visits to The University of Texas at Austin, Vanderbilt University and The University of Virginia. Official visits consisted of a practice round with the team, a tour and dinner with the coaches. It is helpful to get a feel for the campuses before making anything official.”
The college commitment process for student-athletes is a demanding journey, but the rewards make it worthwhile. It is necessary to envision a future that aligns with both athletic and academic goals. The process offers a chance for student-athletes to grow and reach the goals they have strived for since beginning their sport.
“I would advise anyone about to do the same thing [as me] to take your time and not rush the process,” Grundy said. “It is important to understand what you are committing to, not just the sports or the school, but the lifestyle and the responsibilities that come with being a student-athlete.”
Students applying to college during their senior year sometimes experience high levels of anxiety. It is extremely stressful because they must try as hard as possible to maintain high grades, while not knowing where or if they will be accepted.
“Although the actual decision process was stressful and high-stakes, my overall stress level has gone down since committing,” Cusack said. “Since I already know where I am going earlier than most of my peers, it has slightly affected my day-to-day work ethic. Sometimes it can be easier to put my study books away a little earlier than I usually would be if I had not known where I would be attending yet.”
College commitments are always an exciting milestone. For student-athletes, it provides feelings of eagerness and anticipation. The initial moment of committing can create a high, but that can sizzle out.
“My everyday life has reverted to how it was before I started the process, other than the occasional conversation about my commitment,” Begin said. “My tension has gone down since I stopped taking all the calls and responding to emails, but I still have to keep trying because I have not signed anything confirming that I am a part of The Pennsylvania State University yet.”
The journey to securing the spot you want at a college as a student-athlete does not always go as initially hoped. Years of hard work and success in a sport may not always be a guarantee for any school. Although a setback can be discouraging, it provides valuable lessons.
“The biggest challenge I faced was when I wanted to go to a specific school, but the coach did not schedule a call,” Cusack said. “I have had great support systems, including my family, who have helped guide me. I know that The University of Virginia will be the best school for me.”
